New Nailers quartet set for debuts

Four new recruits were in line to make their Belper Town debuts on Saturday for the EVO-STIK League’s Nailers at Teversal.

Forwards Rob Stevenson and Jordan Ball, midfielder Jack Andrews and keeper James Martin all joined manager Peter Duffield’s squad last week at Christchurch Meadow as he welcomed his promotion-winning First Division South play-off champions, pictured, back for pre-season.

Stevenson has joined the Nailers from Market Drayton Town where he was the second top scorer for the Shropshire club last season. Just turned 21 and a dual-footed skilful player with plenty of pace, he can play on either wing or as a central striker.

Striker Ball has re-joined the Premier Division squad for his second spell at the club after the former Doncaster Rovers striker opted to return from Mickleover Sports.

He originally joined Doncaster Rovers in 2008 and was offered a one-year professional contract in April 2012. In August of that year he arrived on loan to the Nailers where he scored on his debut against Coalville Town. Following his release by Doncaster Rovers at the end of the 2012-13 season, he had a very brief spell at FC Halifax Town and switched to Rainworth Miners Welfare before an offer from Mickleover Sports FC tempted him to the Station Road club.

Andrews can play in defence or midfield. The 20-year-old is a former Nottingham Forest trainee who arrived from Alfreton Town. He had a two-month loan spell at EVO-STIK League Grantham before returning to the Impact Arena in December 2013.

Keeper Martin signed for Duffield from near neighbours Rainworth Miners Welfare. An ever-present performer for the Nottinghamshire side last season, the former Nottingham University student originally joined Bedworth United in 2009 and won a number of awards at the Oval.

After enjoying a successful loan spell at Shepshed Dynamo where he secured the first clean sheet for the Leicestershire club in 24 matches before making a permanent move to the Wrens at the start of last season.